Nick Petrillo is a passionate music educator and versatile performer specializing in trumpet performance. He holds a Master of Music and Bachelor of Music, both in Trumpet Performance, from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. While earning his Masters degree, Nick served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, instructing beginning education students in trumpet technique.

Nick’s teaching experience spans private, group, and classroom instruction for students ranging from elementary through college levels. He has served as a Music Appreciation Instructor at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in North Carolina and as an instructor of trumpet at the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School and Natick Public Schools. In these roles, he developed engaging lessons that integrate trumpet history, technique, rhythm, and music theory to inspire both skill development and a deeper
understanding of music.

As a performer, Nick is an avid freelancer in the Boston area, active across a variety of genres including rock, pop, funk, soul, R&B, and jazz standards. His classical credentials include serving as principal trumpet in the UMass Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band, as well as lead trumpet in all three UMass jazz ensembles. His accolades include being a semi-finalist in the National Trumpet
Competition and receiving the International Trumpet Guild Scholarship.

Driven by a commitment to fostering musicianship and a lifelong appreciation for music, Nick combines technical expertise with an engaging, student-centered approach. Through dynamic instruction, collaborative engagement, and a dedication to building community, he seeks to inspire the next generation of performers.

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Alisha Lopez-Marrero is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst where she got a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with a Minor in Economics. Her musical life is one of many different styles, avenues, and interests.

Alisha grew up in Springfield and started playing the trumpet when she was twelve. Within a year of starting her instrument, she auditioned and was accepted into the MMEA Western Junior Districts Festival. Throughout high school, she played in her school’s jazz band, concert band, marching band, and indoor drumline ensembles. She auditioned and was accepted each of her four years into the MMEA Western Senior Districts Festival. She performed in pit orchestras for several musical theater productions including “Hairspray,” “The Sound of Music,” and “Chicago.”

In her time studying music at UMass, she played in the Symphony Band, Chapel Jazz Ensemble, and the UMass Minuteman Marching Band, as well as various chamber ensembles. She also immersed herself in cross-disciplinary studies. She took several Arts Management courses through which she worked directly with non-profit organizations to support them in their daily operations. With an interest in music business, she took enough classes to graduate with a Minor in Economics.

Alisha is currently a band director at SciTech and co-directs the Concert Band, Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Pep Band, and the Mentoring Thru Music Program. She also teaches AP Music Theory.  As a music educator, Alisha is passionate about supporting students in feeling successful as instrumentalists, as well as encouraging them to have a well-rounded musical experience.  Also, she plays with the CMSS’s youth ensemble (YWES) and enjoys her time there making music. Alisha continually seeks new and exciting ways to nurture and strengthen her relationship with music.

When Alisha is not teaching music, she can be found hanging out with her bird Meelo, reading books, painting, watching Anime, or listening to Bad Bunny or K-Pop. Ask her about her hobbies!  She has too many.

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